I like many others have had a common complication from the LINX device called pooling which is where food and or liquid pool right above the LINX because the esophagus cannot push things through. This is often caused by excess connective tissue which builds up and becomes obstructive several weeks to several months after the surgery. Dilation is often attempted but more often than not provides only short-term relief and is often repeated until removal is eventually required when esophageal motility becomes so impaired by the device that frequent spasms, chest pain, LPR, heartburn, and food getting stuck result on an ongoing basis. Many people have suffered this under-reported and poorly studied side effect, and some have had to get the device removed and suffered permanent esophageal motility loss. If you have any questions feel free to reply here or if you would like to join a LINX surgery support group search facebok for a group called LINX complications support group. I believe LINX Nissen and Stretta all hold promise but it's good to be aware of the risks.
All the best!
I have always had doubts about LINX. It has been known (though not publicised by Torax Medical) that swallowing difficulties could be an issue.
From the Down With Acid book: "A report from the University of Southern California, revealed that 63% of LINX recipients experienced difficulty swallowing following implantation. The problem being the bolus of food travelling down the oeosphagus needs to be dense enough and propelled strongly enough by the patient's peristalsis to push the magnets apart." (The entry about INX in the www DownWithAcid org uk website includes a link to that research. )
I have other misgivings about LINX - mainly regarding possibility of cellular overgrowth, erosion and migration (which were the problems with Angelchick some years back) and the (mis)selling of the device based upon false perceptions of possible problems with Laparoscopic Nissen Fundoplication.
(Read about the various anti-reflux treatments, devices, fundoplications etc in the Down With Acid book which is fully researched and referenced. )
I also have the Linx implant which was preformed @ USC 7 weeks ago and I'm still having pooling from day 3 onwards. Ive had spasms since I got the device and as of recently theyve come back although not as painful as before. At 1first they felt like I was having a heart attck!!! I'm still keeping my removal option open. I'm not happy that I still can't eat like I use to. And the way they advertise the device VERY misleading.....!!!
I had mine done 7-2015 and I am having troubles with the "pooling" quite bad. It never really stopped. I can not eat rice and chicken sticks bad. I've tried not having dry foods but doesn't matter. Even fluids back up if I try to drink to fast.
I'm going back in the 25th if this month for another endoscopy and Bravo test again...
I'm kind of scared because the vomiting of bile is gone but I have troubles still eating.